Gosport's Poundland to close at the end of the month - but Sports Direct lined up to take the unit over

Poundland in the High Street is set to close on January 29 after the company was unable to secure a new agreement with the landlord after its lease expired - but plans are afoot for Sports Direct to take over the unit.

A clearance sale is currently ongoing, with Poundland already closing 57 of its stores last year as it looks to “simplify its retail network around its best-performing sites”. The company’s store in Chichester is also closing on February 8.

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As previously reported by The News, Poundland’s stores in North End, Portsmouth as well as in Whiteley and Havant have all recently closed their doors as part of the process. Across The News area, this leaves Poundland shops in Fareham, Waterlooville, Leigh Park, Cosham and Portsmouth city centre.

However, Gosport Borough Council leader Peter Chegwyn has said that Gosport will not be left with an empty unit for very long - with popular brand Sports Direct set to move in.

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Taking to social media he said: “Great news for Gosport! Sports Direct are opening in our High Street. Another success for our Lib. Dem Council bringing life back into our town centre.

“They will be the 35th new business in the High Street, Precinct and Stoke Road in a year.”

Sports Direct has also added the unit to its list of stores on its website, although it has not yet shared an opening date.

The News has contacted Sports Direct for a comment.